Vaccination Requirement for Fall Enrollment
Bottom Line, Up Front: On Aug. 1, the University will begin the process of removing students who have failed to provide the required documentation for COVID-19 vaccination from enrolled courses and assigned housing.
Dear Wake Forest students,
As previously communicated, Wake Forest University requires all students enrolled in the Fall 2021 semester to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We are grateful that the majority of you provided proof of vaccination before the July 1 deadline.
For those of you who have not yet provided the required documentation, on August 1, the University will begin the process of removing you from enrolled courses and assigned housing. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to re-enroll in the same courses and receive the same housing assignment once removed.
If you have not submitted the required documentation, you will receive a separate notification by text and email that you are at risk of losing enrollment status and housing for the Fall. Do not wait for this follow-up notice to take action. Upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the Student Health Portal as soon as possible.
Because of the need for individual vaccination records to be reviewed by a medical professional, please allow 48-72 hours after submission before checking the status of your record online in the student portal [found under My Profile > Immun. History]. If your vaccine documentation is missing any information that the SHS must have, you will be sent a secure message through the Student Health Portal.
Students Seeking Exemptions:
- Students may submit a request for a medical or religious exemption; however, such exemptions will not apply to students studying abroad on Wake Forest-sponsored programs.
- Students who receive an exemption from vaccination will be required to wear face coverings at all times when indoors except in your residence hall room.
- Students who receive an exemption must submit to regular asymptomatic testing.
- Students who are not fully vaccinated, including those who receive an exemption, will be required to quarantine per University policy if exposed to a COVID-positive person.
International Students:
The University will assist student efforts to receive a COVID-19 vaccine if they have been unable to obtain the vaccine in their country of residence or have received a vaccine not authorized by the FDA. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will continue to communicate immigration and travel-related changes to international students.
If you are unable to access an FDA-authorized vaccine before Aug. 1, you must notify Student Health Service of your intent to comply by emailing traceshs@wfu.edu. Please use the subject line of “International Student Vaccine Extension” and share your anticipated arrival date in Winston-Salem.
Related Policies, Protocols, Procedures, Guidelines and Other Resources:
Your health and safety and that of our entire community are top priorities for Wake Forest. Evidence demonstrates that the vaccines are as effective in real-world use as they were in earlier trials at limiting the spread of infection and the severity of symptoms among the few who do get infected. Getting this safe and effective vaccine offers an added layer of protection against COVID-19 that will allow us all to enjoy a vibrant semester on campus.
If you have questions, please submit them through the Our Way Forward website or to the call center at 336-758-7500 on weekdays from July 15 – Aug. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (EST).
Thank you for your cooperation,
Hof Milam
Executive Vice President
Rogan Kersh
Provost